The SONG of SHIVA Read Online Free

it’s absolutely crucial that I mention one possibility.” Ignoring Kosoy’s narrowing eyes, she turned to the other faces around the table.
    “I admit, it is only a supposition. There’s no proof. But it’s a well-considered supposition. The virulence and mortality rates suggest the same thing ― all the markings of an influenza virus that has made an antigenic shift .”
    She was rushing now, words tumbling, pitch rising. “Unlike the far more common, antigenic drift variations, antigenic shift mutations generally result in far more catastrophic host responses. The murderous Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 is the classic example. If true, this could be a virus capable of wiping out whole segments of the global population.
    “ What is even more disturbing ― something also seen in the Thai experience ― antigenic shift variants frequently prove most deadly to healthy hosts, people in the prime of life. Antigenic drift mutations are generally more opportunistic, they prey upon the very young and old or those with compromised immune systems. The mortality statistics from Bangkok also support the antigenic shift hypothesis. While it’s true that we don’t have proof, we do have the numbers. By the way, the 1918 pandemic inexplicably went dormant from March until September.”
    Kosoy took advantage of the breath Nora’s impassioned speech now demanded.
    “You can step off the soap-box, Doctor. Everyone here got the message. Loud and clear. I let you have your say. Now it’s my turn. If you’ll permit me... No unsupported suspicions. Just the evidence. It is also the official position, the one we plan to present in tomorrow’s CDC press release ― including the measures we are taking to protect the public.
    “And that statement will reiterate that ― except for Cummings ― there hasn’t been a single new TAI infection in more than a week ― anywhere on earth . Most communicable diseases ― as you are well aware ― develop much differently. The contagion spreads from pocket to pocket of traveling exposure, whether through intermediary vectors or human hosts. That has definitely not been true with TAI. Which makes it extremely unlikely that this is a mutation of ― say ― something like H5N1 or H7N9 avian influenza ― if that’s what you’re suggesting. I’m not saying the virus poses no danger at all, only that the threat has been contained ― at least for the moment.”
    When Nora refused the bait ― it had been bait, hadn’t it? ― Kosoy took a quick breath and continued.
    “But to be absolutely certain we are not overlooking anything, tomorrow’s statement will go on to announce that we are sending our most experienced virologist to confer personally with the World Health Organization, already investigating in Thailand. I’ve spoken privately with the Secretary and she specifically asked for you, Carmichael.”
    Nora felt the room swim. Kosoy’s forced smile confirmed what she had heard. She still didn’t believe it.
    “The Secretary insisted I make the announcement tonight,” Kosoy added without missing a beat. “You’ve expressed your concerns, Doctor. Here’s the perfect opportunity to test your hypothesis and present your ideas directly to the investigative team that’s been dealing with TAI from the get-go.”
    Nora wasn’t prepared. The shock had been palpable, a flush of anger and disbelief. Here she was, only a few hours back from a grueling session before a Capitol Hill headhunting expedition ― protecting the CDC and Kosoy’s bacon ― and now this. Not even a chance to catch her breath. Accept this assignment and travel to Southeast Asia ― or what? What was Kosoy really trying to accomplish ― remove a potential thorn from his side and solve the TAI riddle, with one piqued bureaucratic stone? No way of knowing. And the bastard was still smiling.
    * * *
    Alone after the meeting had ended, Nora felt far less confrontational. The heat of the moment had cooled, replaced by